Galway Bay fm’s beloved broadcaster Keith Finnegan was honoured with the Freedom of the City of Galway in a heartfelt ceremony officiated by Mayor of Galway Eddie Hoare.
The event, which took place yesterday, Friday, May 31, celebrated Keith’s outstanding contributions to the community and his distinguished career in broadcasting.
The city council had unanimously agreed to bestow this prestigious accolade upon Keith Finnegan, who recently retired after a remarkable 34-year career.
The 62-year-old native of Mervue hung up his microphone earlier this year, concluding his tenure as the voice of Galway Talks.
The Freedom of the City is an honour shared by an elite group of only 30 recipients, including luminaries such as Nelson Mandela, Hillary Clinton, and, locally, businesswoman Mary Bennett and American immigration reform campaigner Billy Lawless.
In his acceptance speech, Keith expressed his deep gratitude: “It is an incredible honour to be recognised in this way by the city I love and have served for so many years. I am truly humbled to join such a distinguished group of individuals.”
The ceremony was attended by Keith’s wife Joan, their children Katie and Aidan, close and extended family, former colleagues, and many esteemed guests, who all gathered to celebrate Keith’s contributions to the community and the broadcasting industry.
Keith Finnegan’s illustrious career includes receiving the IMRO Hall of Fame award in 2022 and serving as Galway Bay fm CEO for three decades until 2021.
